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Far from kicking back and taking a well-earned break over the holidays, girls in Years 6, 7 and 8 spent the time practicing their netball skills in Jersey on a five day tour of the Channel Island.
It was an early start for the touring party as they gathered at Gatwick airport for the short flight over to Jersey. The girls got straight into island life on their arrival at the hotel, enjoying a picnic in the park and a dip in the sea before officially kicking off the tour at a sumptuous welcome dinner and party. Tuesday saw the girls get down to business with the first of several coaching clinics where they were treated to some first-class coaching from a member of the Jersey Regional Netball team. Having worked up a sweat, the girls were excited to head to the Aqua Splash water park that afternoon, with the thrill seekers of the group taking on the highest and the speediest slides. You might be fooled for thinking that an evening of dinner and bingo would not have been top of the girls list of fun ideas but, after such an action packed day, they were more than happy to relax and enjoy each others company.
However, it was soon back to work the following morning as the touring party received another excellent coaching session in the glorious surroundings of a converted fort. Again, the afternoon was given over to leisure and the girls had a wonderful time at the Jersey Zoo where they were able to get up close and personal with a wide variety of fabulous creatures. After their physical abilities had been tested over the previous two days, the Wednesday evening saw the girls mental strengths tested with a quiz at the hotel.
On Thursday, it was time for the main event, the Jersey Games Netball tournament, and a chance for the girls to put into practice all that they had learned on the court that week. The standard of netball on display from the Danes Hill teams was a joy to see as they went toe to toe with some well-drilled and experienced opposition. The results were as follows:
U11 – 4th
U13b – 6th
U13a – 4th
This was a very pleasing result for all of the Danes Hill coaches and testament to the hard work the girls have put in. The girls were a credit to their school both on and off the court throughout the trip. The tour ended with a disco and awards presentation back at the hotel before the flight back to Gatwick the following morning. The girls emerged from the airport ready for some rest but with memories that will last a lifetime.
